Difference Between Dessert and Desert

Desert and Dessert sound similar when pronounced but their meaning is different. While they have only a difference of “s”, they have completely different meanings and are pronounced differently.

Desert vs Dessert

What is Desert?

Desert can be used as a verb and noun. There is an ‘e’ sound while pronouncing desert. When it is used as a verb it means to leave and abandon something or someone without permission or help.

For example:

• This city was deserted in the ’90s due to natural calamity.
• Amit was deserted by his friends.
• John decided to desert his old car and buy a new one. 
• Mrs. Stephen deserted her 3 years ago.

When it is used as a noun it refers to an empty, dry hot area, barren area of land, or even with no green leaves and plants/vegetation. It is a type of ecosystem that is specified by high temperature and low rainfall. One-third of the Earth’s land is covered by deserts and found in regions where there is an annual rainfall of fewer than 25 centimeters occurs.

Classification of deserts can be done into several types, such as hot and dry deserts, semi-arid deserts, and cold deserts. These deserts have their own species of plants and animals.

For example:

• Sahara is the largest desert in the world.
• I visited the desert in Dubai. 
• That Hollywood survival movie was shoot at a deserted place. 
• Camels have some unique adaptations to live in the desert.

Usage of Desert

There are numerous meanings of the word “desert” and can be used in multiple ways in the English language. Following are some usages of “desert”:

1. The noun refers to a region with little or no vegetation.
2. A noun referring to a punishment that is deserved or worthy.
3. The verb refers to abandoning or leaving with no intention of returning.  

What is Dessert?

Dessert can only be used as a noun. There is an ‘i’ sound while pronouncing dessert. Which means something sweet that is served after a meal or at end of the completion of the meal. It is also known as the final course of the meal. Dessert consists of a variety of forms, including chocolates, cookies, cakes, ice cream, custards, sweets, etc.

Desserts are generally enjoyed as a treat or satisfaction and can be prepared for a variety of occasions, such as celebrations and birthdays. Many desserts are associated with specific regions and cultures and their preparation methods are also unique to those areas.

Desserts are often high in calories and sugar i.e not always healthy, there are many healthier options available, such as yogurt parfaits and fruit salads.

For example:

• What would you like for dessert?
• I had delicious pancakes for dessert.
• They decided to have a pastry for dessert after lunch.
• I don’t like fruit salads as a dessert.

Usage of Dessert

As we know that while pronouncing stress is given in the second part “dih-zurt” and used as a reference to a food item. There are various usages of the word “dessert” Some of the following are mentioned below:

1. When it is used as a noun that means the sweet course of a meal which consists of cakes, muffins, candies, etc.
2. Used as an adjective that describes foods that are sweet and eaten as a dessert.

Difference between Desert and Dessert :

Desert	Dessert
An infertile or desolate, dry region with little or no vegetation.	A sweet dish served after a meal.
While pronuoncing stress is given in the first half i.e. “dez-ert”.	While pronouncing stress is given on the second half i.e. “dih-zurt”.
Originated from the Latin word “desertum” which means “an abandoned place”.	Originated from the french word “desservir” which means “to clear the table”.
Related to heat and lack of moisture.	Related to sweetness, satisfaction, and enjoyment.
Examples: Thar Desert, Sahara Desert, Great Sandy Desert.	Examples: Custard, Ice Cream, Pudding, Cake, etc.

Conclusion

In conclusion, since the words “desert” and “dessert” are only one letter apart but they totally have different meanings and pronunciations.

A desert (pronounced “dez-ert”) is a dry region with little or no vegetation, while a dessert (pronounced “dih-zurt”) is a sweet dish served after a meal.

It is important to understand the main difference between the two words to use them appropriately and without any confusion. Remember, deserts are hot and dry places and desserts are sweet treats that bring enjoyment after meals.